On Sunday  Djouce woods was transformed into a heaving mass of MTB magic as 250 riders took part in a fantastic Cross Country National Championship.

Richie Felle on his way to 5th in Elites

The weather threatened to ruin the party but the rain held off until after the racing, obligingly soaking the muddy bunch as they prepared for the prizegiving.  With a full race village setting, the field overlooked the stunning Powerscourt waterfall and was packed with cars as the presence of non-MTB entertainment made it more like a family day out.  A bouncy castle, facepainting, food vendors and live tv feeds from around the course made for a party atmosphere with compare Richie Byrne high above the start finish on a gantry offering words of wisdom to the riders as they went through on each lap.

Richie Byrne holds court

Speaking of which the course was fantastic, a real mountain bikers course with steep rocky rooty descents, off camber sections and more singletrack than you could shake a stick at.  Wet weather in the run up saw some mud build up but by and large the course stood up really well although thats not to say it did not exact some revenge!  One poor rider was carted off to hospital with a double leg break.  That gives an idea of the severity of the course.

As for the racing, the Elite mens category had a large entry with a number of riders in the hunt for the green and white jersey.  Top of the list were Joe McCall, Peter Buggle and last years second place Ryan Sherlock, Conor McConvey did not return to defend his jersey.  However one former National Champion did return and one who has a few in his wardrobe.  Robin Seymour rode an aggressive race from the gun taking the title back and showing some of the technical class that saw him win 15  National titles.  Second following a crash and punctures was Ryan Sherlock who battled hard to get back up the field with Peter Buggle in third, Joe McCall in fourth and Richie Felle in fifth.

Elite ladies went to Cait Elliot for the second year in a row, the UCD rider coming in eight minutes ahead of Ciara McManus in second and newcomer Shona D’Arcy who had a stroming ride to third in her first season.

First lady of Irish mountain biking Cait Elliot

Masters was one of the most hotly contested categories with 69 riders lining up.  IMBRC’s James McCluskey smoked the field to take the win ahead of Epics Adam Wojnar and MadMTB’s Oisin Boydell.

Sean Downey claimed the Expert crown with Matt Slattery second and Tomasz Michalski third.  Downhiller Greg Callaghan had a fantastic ride to fourth.

Aidan McDonald, John Doris and Willie Mulligan made up the tough Vets podium

Full results can be found here- xc_nationals_2010_results.

All photos courtesy of Morgan O’Connell.